“Okay.” It would take time to adjust to those abilities. “Thanks for clearing that up.”

“The other clans need assurances that Lorn is nothing similar to Decker.”

“Is he?”

“Hell no!” he snarled.

Jadee startled at his sudden outburst.

“Sorry.” Lavos lowered his tone, softened it. “I hated Decker.”

“You said he was a murderer?”

“Any children in our clan who presented too many Vampire traits were killed, along with their parents if they tried to protect them from Decker and his enforcers. He didn’t like humans either, and kept my brother from claiming Kira because he saw her as too weak to matter. The bastard would have killed her if he could have. It just pisses me off to think anyone could compare my brother to that bastard.”

“I’m glad Lorn isn’t upset that you mated me.”

“He understands.” He reached out, stroking her. “He had to resist the urge to claim his mate for a long time. They both suffered for it.”

“It worked out okay though, right? They’re mated now.”

“Yes, but we expect problems. That’s why Kira usually has a guard when Lorn isn’t with her. Davis is her father, and he’ll fight to the death to keep her safe too.”

“What does she need to be protected from?”

“Some of our clan are paranoid and racist against anyone not clan.”

“But she’s not human anymore, right?”

“Yes, but she was turned into a Vampire. Some won’t trust her because of it.”

“But…VampLycans are half Vampire!”

“That’s true. Though Decker taught them to hate anyone with too much Vampire blood.”

“He sounds like a dick.”

“He was much worse.”

“Was? So he’s dead?”

“We wish, but no. He’s gone though, and he can’t ever come back. The other clans would kill him on sight.”

“That’s good.”

“We need to show the other clans that Lorn wants peace with them and alleviate their concerns.”

“That should be easy enough. He mated Kira and you said Decker kept them apart. That sounds like proof to me that they aren’t the same types of men.”

He grinned. “True.” He let her go. “I wish logic played a part in this but we’re talking about almost two centuries of Decker fucking with the other clans. It’s going to take time to build and strengthen our bonds with them again.”

That stunned her. “Two centuries?”

“Vampires don’t age, and Lycans age much slower than humans. Decker had ruled this clan since he became strong enough to shift and fight. He chased off the full-blooded Lycans and bullied the other VampLycans into following him.”

She let that sink in. “How old are you?”

“I’m second generation…and it took a long time for my father to find his mate, and then decide to have children.”

“He didn’t want to knock up your mother right off the bat?”

“No. We’ve never been anything alike.”

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“How old do you believe I am?”

“Mid-twenties?”

He leaned in and stared into her eyes. “Add a few years.”

“You look good.”

“I’m considered young. That’s another strike against Lorn. He’s only three years my senior. He’s second generation too, and just a baby compared to the other leaders. The other three clans are still being run by first-generation VampLycans who took control from the beginning.”

“But he’s not Decker, so that has to make him a huge improvement.”

He brushed his mouth over hers, kissing her. “Yes.”

“Point that out to everyone.”

He grinned. “I will. I wish I could take you with me.”

“I’m kind of curious now to meet this Kira. I’ll be fine.”

“You will be. Her father swore he’d protect you with his life. Davis has honor and he’s human friendly. I trust him. He just left the lodge so he’ll be the one guarding you.”

“Let’s go. Avoid that woman, please. She looked determined earlier to get you into bed.”

He nodded. “I’m not interested in anyone but you. Remember, I’m a VampLycan.”

“I’m still trying to figure out what exactly that is.”

“Would you settle for eating dirt-covered live snails if you were craving chocolate?”

Jadee grimaced. “E”

“That’s how I feel about other women. You’re mine, Jadee. No one else will do.”

She relaxed, willing to trust him. “Okay.”

“Time to go. Lorn will be eager for me to join him at the lodge.”

Jadee gripped his hand tight. “You’re sure Kira won’t want to bite me?”

“Positive.”

“Let’s go.”

* * * * *

Lavos pretended to ignore the shocked gasps and the few openly hostile stares as he stood next to his brother. He’d purposely hugged Jadee and rubbed against her when he’d dropped her off at Lorn’s home. It made her scent cling to him strongly. No one would doubt he’d taken a human mate.

Lorn glanced at him, giving him a knowing look. “Blatant,” he said drily.

“So what? We want to make a stand and change things.”

“True.” Lorn smiled, glancing around. “I noticed you turned on the overhead fans.”

“It helps scents mingle and spread.”

“As I said, blatant. You’ve got balls, bro.”

“My situation is different from yours. You had to hide it when you first mated Kira. I want everyone to know Jadee is mine.”

“They will. I’m certain the gossips will spread it to our members who aren’t present as soon as the meal ends. I didn’t have a chance to warn anyone. Sorry. The clan leaders have been talking to me.”

“That’s why I asked for Davis to protect her. Sorry to take him from the lodge.”

“Perri said she could handle the kitchen, and I feel better with Davis watching over my mate too.”

The bell rang, announcing dinner. Lorn sighed. “Try not to start any fights with the other enforcers.”